Overview
O'Leary Group Campground was constructed in 2001 and is named for O'Leary Peak, which overlooks this site. The campground is designed to accommodate the special needs of large groups with everything from picnic shelters, tables and grills, to lots of level ground covered in native volcanic cinders, perfect for setting up tents.
Its proximity to Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments make it especially suitable for visitors who are intrigued by the cultural and natural history of the area.
Recreation
Most visitors spend time hiking, exploring and learning at the national monuments. Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments have visitor centers and feature self-guided and ranger-guided tours.
Another popular activity is hiking to O'Leary Lookout Tower. The trail is 4.9 miles one way on an old forest road with a steady, steep climb that rewards visitors with a vast panoramic view of Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks and the Painted Desert which was carved out by the Little Colorado River.
Facilities
There are three group camping areas. The east and north loops can each accommodate up to 50 people, while the west loop can host up to 75 people. Camping areas are spacious. The facilities offer many amenities for hosting large group gatherings, such as electricity, trash collection and drinking water.
Natural Features
The campground sits on a bed of soft, flat volcanic soil amidst Arizona's ponderosa pine country. This area of volcanic activity is so unique that much of it has been set aside as Sunset Crater National Monument.
The camping area offers incredible views of dark cinder cone peaks, thick forests and open grassy meadows that burst with wildflowers in spring and early summer.
Wupatki National Monument is also nearby and features an ancient four-story pueblo, a masterpiece of Ancient Pueblo stone masonry circa A.D. 1120.
Nearby Attractions
The nearby town of Flagstaff, Arizona, has shopping, restaurants and other conveniences.
Visitors also frequent the must-see Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument .
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area